As part of the new Institute travel solution, Rensselaer has joined with Child/Albany Travel as the preferred travel agency to assist in all travel needs, and Concur to provide a travel management system. Child/AlbanyTravel will work in conjunction with Concur to create a streamlined automated travel solution.

Child/Albany Travel is a recognized leader in the travel industry and has been servicing the needs of business travelers since 1984. The company will help Rensselaer manage travel spending and identify savings opportunities. Its business philosophy is based on the understanding that every component of each trip that Rensselaer takes plays a role in achieving the Institute's business objectives and ensuring success.

The Rensselaer Finance team will communicate to the community over the next few weeks as to the official start date for the new agency and the required steps to begin booking travel. All travelers will be asked to begin to use the new agency to develop a sound working relationship. The first step in using the new agency is for all travelers to provide their travel preferences. This information will help the agents create a personal travel profile with contact information, seating preferences, frequent flyer numbers, etc.

Demonstration and testing of the Concur travel system with members of the campus community will continue over the spring and summer, as well as Child/Albany Travel's role in the process. During this time, members of the community will be asked to participate in testing and provide feedback regarding the online booking and expense reporting tool.

Child/Albany Travel will be an integral part of the testing and implementation and will take a lead role in the travel booking process to ensure that the needs of all travelers are met. The community also will be asked for feedback about the agency during the testing period, so use of the agency is important to a successful implementation.